Buying a Home in San Antonio 2026: First-Time Buyer Guide
San Antonio median home price: $310,000. Income needed: $72,000+. One of the most affordable major US cities. No state income tax, TSAHC DPA up to 5%, FHA up to $567,500, and VA loans for Military City USA. Here is your complete guide.
Quick Summary: San Antonio Home Buying 2026
- ✓ Median home price: $310,000 — down 1.2% YoY (July 2026). Buyer's market.
- ✓ Income needed: $72,000+ with 20% down, $84,000+ with 5% down.
- ✓ No state income tax — Texas is one of 9 states with zero income tax.
- ✓ FHA loan limit Bexar County: $567,500 — 3.5% down up to $588K.
- ✓ TSAHC Home Sweet Texas DPA — up to 5% down payment assistance. Search DPA programs →
- ✓ Military City USA — VA loans with 0% down. JBSA, Randolph AFB, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB.
- ✓ Best affordable neighborhoods — West Side ($235K), South Side ($250K), East Side ($265K).
- ! Property tax: 2.0% in Bexar County — among highest in the US. Budget $6,200/yr on $310K.
San Antonio is the most affordable major city in Texas — and one of the most affordable in America. The median home price of $310,000 is $105K less than Dallas ($415K) and $235K less than Austin ($545K). With no state income tax and TSAHC DPA up to 5%, San Antonio is a first-time buyer's dream.
The market is a buyer's market in 2026. Prices are down 1.2% year-over-year, inventory up 24%, homes sitting 35 days, and only 18% sell above asking — the lowest among major Texas cities. San Antonio is also "Military City USA" with Joint Base San Antonio, Randolph AFB, Fort Sam Houston, and Lackland AFB, making VA loans extremely popular.
Ready to buy in San Antonio? Compare San Antonio mortgage lenders →
San Antonio Housing Market Data — July 2026
| Metric | San Antonio (July 2026) | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $310,000 | $415,000 |
| YoY price change | -1.2% | +1.6% |
| Inventory change YoY | +24% | +12% |
| Days on market | 35 | 28 |
| % selling above asking | 18% | 25% |
| Income needed (20% down) | $72,000 | $95,000 |
| FHA loan limit (Bexar County) | $567,500 | $832,750 |
| Property tax rate | 2.0% | 1.1% |
| State income tax | 0% | Varies |
San Antonio's property tax rate of 2.0% is among the highest in the nation. On a $310K home, that's $6,200/year ($517/month). However, the lower home price means total tax burden is still lower than Dallas ($8,715/yr) or Austin ($11,990/yr). Compare FHA lenders in Texas →
How Much Income Do You Need to Buy in San Antonio?
Income Needed by Down Payment (Median Home: $310,000)
| Down Payment | Loan Amount | Monthly P&I + Tax + Ins | Income Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20% ($62,000) | $248,000 | $2,998 | $72,000 |
| 10% ($31,000) | $279,000 | $3,208 | $78,000 |
| 5% ($15,500) | $294,500 | $3,322 | $84,000 |
| 3.5% FHA ($10,850) | $299,150 | $3,356 + MIP | $88,000 |
| 0% VA ($0) | $310,000 | $3,466 | $90,000 |
Includes property taxes (2.0%) and insurance ($1,800/yr). No state income tax in Texas.
Tip: San Antonio is the most affordable major Texas city. A $310K home here costs $400/month less than a $415K home in Dallas. VA loans with 0% down are especially attractive for military families. Search Texas DPA programs →
Best San Antonio Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Why Buy Here |
|---|---|---|
| West Side | $235,000 | Most affordable, historic, cultural hub |
| South Side | $250,000 | Affordable, growing, near Toyota plant |
| East Side | $265,000 | Revitalizing, close to downtown |
| Converse | $275,000 | Northeast suburb, military families |
| Universal City | $285,000 | Near Randolph AFB, military-friendly |
| Leon Valley | $320,000 | Northwest, established, near medical center |
Avoid Alamo Heights ($550K+), Terrell Hills ($600K+), and Olmos Park ($650K+) unless you have a high budget. Focus on west, south, and east sides for the best value. Converse and Universal City are great for military families near JBSA and Randolph AFB.
Get Pre-Approved for a San Antonio Home
Compare 50+ lenders. FHA, VA, conventional, TSAHC DPA. See rates in 3 minutes.
Compare San Antonio Lenders →San Antonio & Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs
1. TSAHC Home Sweet Texas
Up to 5% of loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage. Available with FHA, VA, and conventional. Income limits up to $115K for Bexar County. No first-time buyer requirement. Check eligibility →
2. TDHCA My First Texas Home
30-year fixed-rate mortgage with up to 5% DPA as a forgivable second mortgage. Income limits vary by county. First-time buyers and veterans qualify.
3. FHA Loan — 3.5% Down
FHA allows 3.5% down with 580+ credit. Bexar County FHA limit: $567,500. On a $310K home, that's $10,850 down. MIP required. Compare FHA lenders →
4. VA Loan — 0% Down (Military City USA)
San Antonio is "Military City USA" — JBSA, Randolph AFB, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB. VA loans with zero down, no PMI. Bexar County VA limit: $834,750 (no limit for full entitlement). Compare VA lenders →
5. HomeReady / Home Possible — 3% Down
Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible: 3% down with 620+ credit. Income limit: 80% AMI. Lower PMI. On $310K, that's $9,300 down.
Step-by-Step Plan to Buy in San Antonio
Step 1: Budget for Property Taxes (Week 1)
San Antonio's 2.0% property tax rate is critical. On a $310K home, budget $6,200/year ($517/month) for taxes. Use a mortgage calculator that includes taxes. Check your budget →
Step 2: Get Pre-Approved (Week 2-3)
Compare at least 3 lenders. If military, compare VA lenders. San Antonio sellers expect pre-approval. Compare San Antonio lenders →
Step 3: Apply for TSAHC/TDHCA DPA (Week 3-4)
Apply for TSAHC Home Sweet Texas or TDHCA programs. Up to 5% DPA can cover your entire down payment on FHA. Search Texas DPA →
Step 4: Tour West/South/East Homes (Week 4-6)
Focus on West Side, South Side, East Side, Converse, and Universal City. With 35 days on market, you have time. Tour 10-15 homes.
Step 5: Negotiate Hard (Week 6-10)
Only 18% sell above asking — lowest among major Texas cities. Offer below asking. Request seller concessions (up to 6% FHA, 9% conventional). San Antonio is a strong buyer's market.
Step 6: Close (Week 10-14)
Final approval, appraisal, inspection, closing. San Antonio closing costs: 2-4% of price. Budget $6,200-$12,400 on a $310K home. Texas does not require an attorney.
Buy Your San Antonio Home in 2026
Most affordable major Texas city + TSAHC DPA + VA loans. Compare 50+ lenders now.
Compare San Antonio Lenders Now →FAQ: Buying a Home in San Antonio 2026
How much income do I need to buy a home in San Antonio in 2026?
To buy a median $310,000 home, you need approximately $72,000 with 20% down, $78,000 with 10% down, or $88,000 with 3.5% FHA down. San Antonio is the most affordable major Texas city.
Compare lenders: See what you qualify for →
Is San Antonio a buyer's market or seller's market in 2026?
San Antonio is a buyer's market in 2026. Prices down 1.2% YoY, inventory up 24%, homes sitting 35 days, only 18% sell above asking — the lowest among major Texas cities.
Get pre-approved: Compare lenders →
What are the best first-time home buyer programs in San Antonio?
TSAHC Home Sweet Texas (up to 5% DPA), TDHCA My First Texas Home (5% DPA), FHA 3.5% down, VA 0% down (Military City USA), and HomeReady/Home Possible 3% down.
Search DPA: Find Texas DPA →
What are the best neighborhoods for first-time buyers in San Antonio?
West Side ($235K), South Side ($250K), East Side ($265K), Converse ($275K), and Universal City ($285K). Focus on west, south, and east sides for the best value.
Compare lenders: Get pre-approved →
How much are closing costs in San Antonio?
Closing costs in San Antonio range from 2-4% of the purchase price — $6,200-$12,400 on a $310K home. Texas has no state income tax but property taxes are 2.0% in Bexar County.
Compare lenders: Find lowest closing costs →
Can I use a VA loan to buy a home in San Antonio?
Absolutely. San Antonio is "Military City USA" with JBSA, Randolph AFB, Fort Sam Houston, and Lackland AFB. VA loans with 0% down, no PMI. Bexar County VA limit: $834,750 (no limit for full entitlement).
Find VA lenders: Compare VA lenders →
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